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Diffraction

Diffraction scanner

  • Optical rail
  • 3 post holders
  • Laser
  • Vernier diffraction slits in holder
  • Diffraction scanner
  • Lab Quest Mini
  • 2 analog to telecom wires
  • Meter stick

Setup:

  • Make sure the laser works. (If it buzzes, it is dying and should be replaced.)
  • Align the laser, diffraction gratings, and scanner so that the diffraction pattern appears at the right level on the scanner.
  • Make sure that you are using the correct “analog-to-telecom” wires and connect Port 1 to Ch1 and Port 2 to Ch2 on the Lab Quest Mini.
  • Download the diffraction scanner configuration file, open it, and test the readings on the diffraction scanner apparatus.

Spectrometer

  • Spectrometer (w/ eyepiece and w/ magnifying glass)
  • Diffraction grating (mounted on post)
  • Cloth cover
  • Webcam and mounting
  • Mercury lamp (mounted on a ring stand)

Setup:

  • Make sure the mercury lamp lights up when plugged in (and turned on, if applicable).

Diffraction Demo

  • Rail w/ diffraction demo parts
    • Laser (w/ diverging lens)
    • Diffraction objects on mount (slide with dots, pin, razor blade)
    • CCD camera
    • Webcam (optional, in place of CCD camera)
  • TV monitor
  • BNC cable (to connect camera to monitor)

Setup:

  • Make sure the laser works. (If it buzzes, it is dying and should be replaced.)
  • Connect the CCD camera to the monitor and turn the monitor on
  • Align the laser (with diverging lens), demo objects and camera so that the light hits the CCD sensor.
    • OPTIONAL: If using the webcam, omit the CCD camera/monitor combo and instead us the built-in “Camera” software on Windows.
  • Position the demo objects such that you create a nice, clear pattern on the monitor.

Common area

  • Filament lamp

Setup:

  • Place a single filament lamp in the room (usual in a back corner) and make sure it lights up and works.
  • This lamp is used when it asks the students to look at a far away “line” light source.
  • Extra parts
    • Laser
    • Diffraction grating in holder
    • Diffraction scanner
    • Lab Quest Mini (w/ USB cable)
    • Analog to telecom wire(s)
    • Diffraction grating(s)
    • Mercury lamp
    • Webcam (w/ mount)